Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Ali Banaei, Secretary-General of the Assembly of Followers of the Imam and the Leader in Qom, made the remarks during a meeting of the assembly's central council, while paying tribute to the martyrs of September 8, known in Iran as Black Friday.
He described the bloody uprising of September 8, 1978 as a clear symbol of the unity, sacrifice and steadfastness of the Iranian nation on the path toward the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
"Today, honoring the pure blood shed for the establishment of this system depends, more than ever, on preserving national cohesion, avoiding division and fostering solidarity between officials and the people to overcome difficult times," Banaei said.
He stressed that the same spirit of unity and resistance that shattered the foundations of the Shah's dictatorship can serve as the key to overcoming the enemy's economic pressure and neutralizing plots against the Islamic establishment.
Call for unity amid economic warfare
The cleric emphasized the importance of continued explanatory meetings and statements by the assembly in line with the country's current conditions, while urging all segments of society to contribute sincerely to resolving the nation's problems.
"We must all use every effective capacity and tool at our disposal — responsible commentary, interviews, writing — to create hope in society and preserve national cohesion, because the enemies of the country and the Islamic establishment are openly seeking to damage this cohesion and exploit any rift for their own goals," he stated.
Banaei called on all supporters of the Islamic Revolution to exercise greater care in their conduct, positions and remarks, avoiding any action that could weaken officials, spread despair or deepen internal divisions.
Economic war requires national resilience
Referring to the conditions of economic warfare and recent maritime blockade, the former lawmaker said the country's primary challenge today is raising the Iranian people's resilience in the face of this unjust economic war.
"In wartime conditions, it is natural for the country's economic problems to increase compared with the past, placing greater pressure on the people and various sectors of society. Under such circumstances, simply criticizing and listing problems cannot solve the nation's issues. We must all help within our capacity and position to steer the country through this situation," he said.
Banaei argued that today more than ever, the country needs empathy, cooperation, responsibility and strengthened social capital, noting that criticism and demands should serve reform and problem-solving rather than weaken the pillars of the system or deepen public mistrust.
Warning against false dichotomies
The cleric warned that natural differences of opinion and diverse political and social preferences must not be allowed to turn into false dichotomies and deep divisions in society.
"The enemy is precisely focused on these points of difference and division. The duty of all those who care about the country is to prevent any damage to national unity and cohesion," he said.
He underscored the need to preserve hope and calm in society, saying all must work according to their capacity and responsibility to help the country overcome its difficulties.
"Strengthening hope, safeguarding national unity, supporting the country's interests and security, standing with the people and assisting officials in resolving livelihood and economic problems is a public duty. Everyone must play their role as a responsible and discerning member of society," Banaei added.
Nation remains focused on building strong Iran
The cleric concluded that practical support for the Islamic Republic and the Leadership of the Jurist means maintaining an inspiring presence in arenas where the enemy seeks to sow despair, division and the weakening of national unity.
"The American-Zionist enemy has targeted Iranians' unity and resilience. Yet our dear people, rallying around the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and disregarding false dichotomies and marginal provocations, continue to march on the path of building a strong Iran," Banaei said.
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